Oracle WebLogic must automatically lock accounts when the maximum number of unsuccessful login attempts is exceeded for an organization-defined time period or until the account is unlocked by an administrator.

Anytime an authentication method is exposed so as to allow for the utilization of an application interface, there is a risk that attempts will be made to obtain unauthorized access. By locking the account when the pre-defined number of failed login attempts has been exceeded, the risk of unauthorized system access via user password guessing, otherwise known as brute-forcing, is reduced. Specifying a time period in which the account is to remain locked serves to obstruct the operation of automated password guessing tools while allowing a valid user to reinitiate login attempts after the expiration of the time period without administrative assistance.